Suspect in ambush of Lanao del Sur governor arrested

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 28) — Authorities arrested the “primary suspect” in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. last week.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saidamen Baratumo, a.k.a. Commander Lomala, was arrested on May 25 in South Cotabato.

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The arrest warrant against Baratumo was issued by Judge Samina Sampaco Macabando-Usman of Branch 8, 12th Judicial Region.

Baratumo is under the custody of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and will be turned over to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for proper disposition.

Adiong and his companions were attacked by gunmen on Feb. 17 as they passed by Maguing town on their way to Wao. The governor was shot in the waist while four of his aides were killed.